Acoustics in Healthcare Environments

ACOUSTICS
IN

HEALTHCARE ENVIRONMENTS
INTRODUCTION
Acoustics in Healthcare Environments is a FREE tool for architects, interior designers, and other
design professionals who work to improve healthcare environments for all users. It is an introduction
to the acoustical issues commonly confronted on healthcare projects. Practical design responses to
these issues derived from a broad review of information is provided by CISCA, using practitionerfriendly language. The following issues are addressed:
THE CURRENT STATE OF ACOUSTICS IN HEALTHCARE ENVIRONMENTS

WHY ACOUSTICS MATTER IN HEALTHCARE ENVIRONMENTS
UNDERSTANDING THE PRIMARY ACOUSTIC ISSUES
UNDERSTANDING HOW ACOUSTICS ARE MEASURED
DESIGN STRATEGIES FOR IMPROVED ACOUSTIC ENVIRONMENTS
GENERAL DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
SPECIFYING MATERIALS AND FINISHES
MINIMIZING MECHANICAL AND MEDICAL EQUIPMENT NOISE
DESIGNING FOR PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITY
INTEGRATING HOSPITAL TECHNOLOGY
ACOUSTIC REQUIREMENTS FOR SPECIALIZED ENVIRONMENTS

NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNITS (NICUs)
EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS (EDs)
MEETING THE STANDARDS

GLOSSARY OF TERMS
ENDNOTES
Considerations when applying this research:

The content of this white paper only relates to the literature accessed and does not reflect information
available outside/beyond those sources, whether by a specific author or others. Research findings from
a singular source should not be used as the basis for design solutions or other judgments and decisions
by users of this white paper, but must be considered in the larger context of a full search of all available
information and the users synthesis of that collective information. Consider the date of publication of
the individual sources to determine the timeliness of the information, especially if study data were used.
Acoustics in Healthcare Environments
ACOUSTIC CONSIDERATIONS
Many sounds are present in hospital environments, including those from beepers, alarms, machines, rolling
carts, HVAC systems, and conversations, among other sources. These can be severely irritating and at
times harmful to patients, depending on their current conditions (i.e., age, hearing ability, medication intake,
cultural background, and pre-existing fears and anxieties).1,2 Acoustics in healthcare environments are
complex and require a careful, strategic design.
Specific acoustical considerations in healthcare settings include supporting patient well-being and privacy;
supporting communication among staff; and meeting standards and regulations (e.g., HIPAA).3,4 In recent
years, these issues have received much attention. As evidence, acoustics are a key component of several
new healthcare design guidelines; many studies identifying design strategies to improve acoustical
conditions in healthcare environments have been conducted; and hospitals throughout the United States
have taken initiatives to improve their acoustic environments.
Acoustics in Healthcare Environments (1) provides an overview of common acoustic problems in healthcare
environments throughout the United States, (2) discusses the impact of acoustics on occupants of these
environments, and (3) presents evidence-based design considerations that can be used to improve acoustic
conditions in healthcare environments.
[Specific acoustical considerations in healthcare settings

include supporting patient well-being and privacy;
supporting communication among staff; and meeting
standards and regulations (e.g., HIPAA).]3,4
THE CURRENT STATE OF ACOUSTICS IN

Acoustic levels in todays hospitals are very high. A study conducted by Busch-Vishniac et al. in 2005 found
that sound pressure levels have risen significantly and consistently since 1960. On average, daytime levels
have risen 0.38 dB and nighttime levels have risen 0.42 dBeach year. In general, these findings remained
true no matter what type of hospital or facility was examined, indicating that acoustical issues persist in
hospitals of all types and acoustical solutions to these issues may be widely applicable.5
The same study found that sound levels throughout Johns Hopkins Hospital, one of the top-ranked hospitals
in the United States, were on average at least 20 dB(A) louder than the recommendations of the World
Health Organization (WHO). Average sound levels of Johns Hopkins Hospital exceeded 45 to 50 dB(A),
which is the typical conversational speech level, implying it may be difficult for patient care teams (PCTs;
doctors, nurses, physicians assistants, etc.) to communicate without resorting to raising their voices or
shouting.5 Many other studies that have examined hospital noise levels found peak levels often exceed 85
dB(A), which has a sound pressure 100,000 times that of 35 dB(A)the recommended daytime level for
patient areas.6
Decibel (dB)
def. [A unit measurement of the loudness

of a sound. Louder sounds have larger decibel values.]
A-Weighted Decibel (dB(A))

def. [A measure of sound pressure level
designed to reflect the response of the human ear, which
is less sensitive to low and high frequencies.]

WHY ACOUSTICS MATTER IN
Creating a comfortable acoustic environment in healthcare environments can play an important role in
supporting safety, health, healing, and well-being for all occupants. Additionally, maintaining speech privacy
in healthcare settings helps reduce medical errors as it supports open conversations among patients,
families, and PCTs and is believed to influence patient satisfaction.7 If patients are not confident that they
have complete privacy, they may hesitate to provide complete information about their medical conditions
and/or concerns, potentially putting their health at greater risk.8 The importance of an adequate acoustic
environment for patients, family, and PCTs is discussed in this section.
Patients and Families

Poor acoustical conditions may have a negative impact on a patients physiological health and increase
their chances of being readmitted to the hospital.9 Acoustics can also impact perceptions of privacy, comfort,
safety, and security for patients and their families.1 Consider the following examples of how the acoustic
environment can impact the physiological and psychological well-being of patients and their families in
healthcare settings:
Sudden noises can set off startle reflexes and can lead to grimacing, increased blood pressure, and
higher respiratory rates for patients. Prolonged loud noises can lead to memory problems, irritation,
impaired pain tolerance, and perceptions of isolation.1,10
Sleep disruption and deprivation are frequently cited issues in healthcare environments. High acuity
patients are especially likely to be negatively impacted by poor environmental conditions.11 Reduced
noise levels in intensive care units (ICUs) may help patients sleep and foster a regular wake/sleep
cycle.12
The low-frequency noise often created by mechanical systems in hospitals can potentially be a source
of annoyance and result in higher blood pressure and sleep disruption in patients.13
In one study, heart attack patients exhibited higher pulse amplitudes in a poor acoustic environment
than in a good acoustic environment (i.e., room with sound absorbing surfaces) at nighttime. These
findings support the possibility that raised voices may have a negative impact on patients in a poor
acoustic environment. This impact may be greater at night because background noise tends to be
lower, making noise disturbances more noticeable and stressful.9
Patient Care Teams (PCTs)

Findings from research on the impact of noise on PCTs have varied. They imply that while PCTs may be
able to perform tasks in an environment with a high level of noise, they may have to exert more effort to do
so, in turn causing more fatigue.6 When inadequate acoustic conditions exist, poor psychosocial conditions
can occur even for highly-trained and educated PCTs that are prepared to handle stressful conditions.14
Speech intelligibility is very important to PCTs in healthcare environments. PCTs need to be able to understand
and quickly respond to the many types of auditory signals (e.g., conversations, medical equipment, alarms)
in hospital settings. Speech recognition systems often used in healthcare environments rely heavily on
appropriate speech signals to operate and all building occupants rely on clear speech intelligibility to
understand foreign languages, accents, and varying speech patterns.6 When speech intelligibility is not fully
addressed, it may negatively impact patient care and safety.
[While PCTs may be able to perform tasks in an environment with

a high level of noise, they may have to exert more effort to do so,
in turn causing more fatigue.]6
Consider the following findings related to the impact of the acoustic environment on PCTs:
In a study examining noise in a neurological intensive care unit, many nurses felt noise negatively
impacted them. Many indicated they experienced irritation, fatigue, distraction, and tension headaches
as a result of the poor acoustic environment. Many nurses also believed the noise levels negatively
impacted patients in the ICU.2
In one study, patients in an intensive coronary care unit using sound-absorbing ceiling tiles felt PCTs
had better attitudes as compared to the perceptions of PCT attitudes among patients in a unit with
sound-reflecting ceiling tiles.9
In one study, sound absorbing materials were installed in corridors of a hematology oncology unit
over no more than half of the ceiling and upper wall surface. This acoustic design strategy reduced
sound pressure levels in the unit by 5 dB and significantly reduced reverberation times. Nurses and
patients perceived an improved acoustic environment, with many of them dissatisfied before the
installation and almost all of them satisfied following the installation. Notably, fewer nurses felt it was
difficult to concentrate and communicate and fewer patients felt it was difficult to sleep following the
installation.15
After acoustical ceiling tiles replaced the existing sound reflective ceiling tiles in the main work area and
patient rooms in a Swedish hospital, nurses reported lower work demands and less pressure and strain
during their afternoon shift (the noisiest shift studied).14
Federal Requirements
As part of the Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA) initiated by the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services (DHHS), the federal government requires pharmacies and healthcare providers
in the United States to provide privacy for patient health information (e.g., medication, symptoms, health
conditions) in electronic, written, and oral formats. This is meant to prevent intentional or unintentional
privacy breaches. HIPAA privacy standards apply to both new construction and renovations of all types of
healthcare organizations including pharmacies, physicians offices, and hospitals.6,16,17
UNDERSTANDING THE PRIMARY

ACOUSTIC ISSUES
Sound can be transmitted to a persons ear directly from a source (i.e., direct sound), after reflecting off of
one or more surfaces (i.e., reflected sound), after passing through a shared, solid, structural component
like a wall or ceiling (i.e., transmitted sound), or after bending over and around partitions (i.e., diffracted
sound).17 Architectural design strategies such as placing staff rest areas away from noise sources, and
acoustical environment decisions such as specifying quieter alarms and machines can help reduce noise
levels in hospitals.18 The main acoustic properties that need to be addressed in healthcare settings are
discussed below.
Sound Pressure Level (SPL)
def. [The physical loudness of a sound on a decibel

scale determined by the air pressure change caused by a sound wave.]
Background Noise
def. [All direct and indirect sound that is audible
to the human ear that has the potential to interfere with wanted (e.g., medical
equipment warnings) or unwanted (e.g., private conversations) sound signals.]
Reverberation Time
def. [The time it takes for sound to decay by

60 dB once the source of the sound has stopped.]
Sound Pressure Level (SPL)

SPLs in many modern hospitals are high enough that they may interrupt sleep, impact speech
intelligibility, and create occupant discomfort due to noise.5
SPLs in Johns Hopkins Hospital were the loudest in the hallways, followed by the nurses stations, and
occupied patient rooms. Unoccupied patient rooms were the quietest, although they were sometimes
noisy during the daytime hours. All other types of spaces were consistently noisy throughout the day
and night.5
Alarms, medical equipment, rolling carts, footfalls, and closing doors can all create short-term fluctuations
in SPL.2
Background Noise
Background noise levels should meet the criteria set by established standards (e.g., the American
Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers; ASHRAE) and should be identified
at the onset of a project.4
Certain specialized healthcare environments (e.g., spaces where audiometric testing is conducted,
sleep disorder clinics) require minimal background noise and distractions.4
The continuous background noise levels created by building services (e.g., heating, ventilation, and
air-conditioning; HVAC) are typically calculated as specified by the manufacturer.4
If background noise is used at a patients bedside (through sound-masking systems, music, etc.)
appropriate levels likely lie somewhere between 40 and 60 dB(A).19
Background noise should be minimal for patients that are at risk for hearing damage as a result of
ototoxic (i.e., harmful to the organs or nerves connected with hearing) medications. These patients
should be placed in rooms fitted with heavy doors that are exposed to minimal noise from mechanical
systems, alarms, or medical pumps.8,13,19
Reverberation Time (RT)

Controlling reverberation in healthcare environments through appropriate finish selection is important for
optimizing speech intelligibility, creating a restorative environment, and limiting noise transmission.4
RTs are not always directly related to SPLs. For example, a room can have a long RT without necessarily
having a loud SPL. Therefore, SPL and RT should both be assessed to provide a comprehensive
understanding of the acoustic environment in a healthcare environment.14
[Architectural design strategies such as placing staff rest areas away from
noise sources and acoustical environment decisions such as specifying
quieter alarms and machines can aid in reducing noise levels in hospitals.]18
UNDERSTANDING HOW
ACOUSTICS ARE MEASURED
Measurement Methods
Acoustic standards are frequently updated to include the newest, most accurate measurement methods.
Current standards should always be consulted and spaces should be designed to meet them.11 Some of
the most common measurement methods used in the healthcare design industry are introduced below.
Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC)

NRC is a number rating that indicates a materials sound absorbing properties, based on the average
absorption for the material over primary speech information frequencies (250 Hz to 2000 Hz). The
higher the NRC rating the more efficient the material is at absorbing sound. For example, a material
with an NRC of 0.70 absorbs approximately 70% of sound energy, while the remaining 30% reflects
back into the space.20
NRC values below 0.50 indicate minimally absorbent surface materials, while NRC values greater than
0.80 typically indicate very absorbent materials.16
Sound Transmission Class (STC)

STC is a comparative value that indicates the efficiency of building materials (e.g., walls, ceilings,
floors, glazing) to reduce sound transmission. The larger the number the more successful the material
is at preventing noise from passing through.20
STC ratings should be determined before partitions are specified by considering the budget and the
importance of each performance factor (i.e., controlling background noise, minimizing distractions, and
promoting privacy) for a given space.4
Wall systems with STCs lower than 35 are considered poor sound barriers, while those with STCs at
or above 55 are considered very good sound barriers.16
10
Ceiling Attenuation Class (CAC)

CAC is a rating of a ceiling systems ability to reduce sound transmission. It represents, in decibels
(dB), how much sound will be attenuated between rooms sharing a ceiling plenum.20
Higher numbers indicate better performance. Ceilings with a CAC less than 25 are considered to be
poor barriers of sound intrusion, while ceilings with a CAC of 35 or greater are considered very good
barriers of sound intrusion. Oftentimes, a ceiling with a high CAC (i.e., creates a good sound barrier)
can have a low NRC (i.e., absorbs little noise).16 Some ceiling panels are produced with both high NRC
and CAC values.
Articulation Class (AC)

AC is a measure used to rate the speech privacy performance of acoustical ceilings or acoustical
screens in open-plan environments. Privacy increases as the AC value increases, generally ranging
between 100 and 250.20
A ceiling must be at least 9 high to perform according to the AC rating it is given.16
Privacy Index (PI):

PI is a measure used to rate the speech privacy in a given space and is calculated based off the
Articulation Index.20
Spaces with a PI of 95% to 100% are considered to have confidential speech privacy, meaning that
speech in the space will not be at all intelligible (although it may be overheard) outside of the space.
Spaces with a PI of 80% to 95% are considered to provide normal speech privacy, meaning that
conversations in the space may be overheard, but will not be fully intelligible. Spaces with a PI of 60% to
80% are considered to provide only marginal speech privacy, meaning most conversations in the space
will be overheard and often times will be fully intelligible. Spaces with a PI less than 60% are considered
to have no speech privacy, meaning that all conversations in the space will be clearly intelligible outside
of the space.16
11
DESIGN STRATEGIES FOR IMPROVED

ACOUSTIC ENVIRONMENTS
To identify solutions for the acoustic problems that persist in healthcare environments, an evidence-based
design approach should be taken. Best practices that are based on lessons learned from previous projects
(e.g., by conducting post-occupancy evaluations) and industry guidelines and standards (which are often
based on evidence-based findings and best practices) should be carefully considered throughout the
design process.
There have been many different studies conducted on acoustical design issues in healthcare settings.
Several strategies to improve the acoustic environment have been supported multiple times by research
and are considered by many to be evidence-based design strategies. These include the specification of
noise-reducing materials and the provision of single-occupancy patient rooms.6,11,21,22 These and other
design strategies are discussed in more depth in this section.
General Design Considerations

Design Process
The acoustic environment is an important consideration at every stage of the design process, but also
needs to be considered in the context of other important factors (e.g., lighting, hygiene, temperature). To
assure that this happens, consider the following:
Employ an acoustical engineer at the early
stages of the design process for healthcare
facilities and regularly consult with this engineer
through the post-construction stages to assist
with mechanical system design, equipment
and building construction specifications, and
acoustical testing.7
Hire an acoustical consultant to assess speech
privacy and speech intelligibility in healthcare
settings using the test methods provided by
the American National Standards Institute
(ANSI) and the American Society for Testing
and Materials (ASTM International).16
12
Understand that many of the design strategies

used for infection control in healthcare
environments can have a negative effect
on the acoustic environment if not carefully
considered. For example, hard surfaces
are often specified for their cleanability but
these surfaces often reflect sound, creating
reverberation. Also, high efficiency filtration
systems are often required in healthcare
systems, but these surfaces require more fan
horsepower and create more noise than other
systems.13,19
[Establish lower outdoor sound levels (a day-night average of 50 dB) in

outdoor patient areas through noise barriers or shielding strategies.]7
Site Design
Site design can have a major impact on acoustics in healthcare settings, as noise sources outside can
significantly impact noise levels inside. Consider the following when selecting a site for a healthcare
facility:
Understand that facilities typically have
different levels of regulatory or functional
control over different types of environmental
noise. They may have complete (e.g., facility
HVAC equipment, emergency generators),
limited (e.g., helipads), or zero (e.g., highways,
airports) control depending on the source.7
Consider all existing and future sources of
noise (e.g., highways and airports in the
construction phase) that have the potential to
be transmitted through the exterior shell of the
building into the buildings interior.7
Conduct site measurements to determine the
impact of noise from the surrounding, external
environment; plan the site and design the
buildings faade to mitigate any impacts.4
Establish lower outdoor sound levels (a daynight average of 50 dB) in outdoor patient areas
through noise barriers or shielding strategies.7
Understand that if exterior noise levels surpass
a minimal level (e.g., the ambient noise
level found in a rural or suburban residential
neighborhood with single-family homes),
measures should be taken to monitor site noise
levels using ANSI/ASA S12.9: Quantities and
Procedures for Description and Measurement
of Long-Term, Wide-Area Sound. Mitigate
the impact of this noise by specifying acoustic
controls (e.g., mufflers, acoustic louvers) and
quieter equipment.4,7,23
13
Space Planning
Space planning can have a significant impact on the acoustic environment. Determining what spaces will
be adjacent to each other and how the space should be laid out takes careful consideration of how specific
areas are going to be used, the level of privacy that is needed, and the desired background noise level,
among other factors. Consider the following design considerations for space planning:
Create single-bed (as opposed to multibed) patient rooms as they are associated
with several positive outcomes including
reducing the number of hospital-acquired
infections; improving patient sleep and
privacy; facilitating better communication with
parents and families; improving perceptions of
social support; decreasing stress for staff; and
improving patient satisfaction.4,6,11 Advocating
for single-patient rooms in hospitals (during
new construction, expansion, or renovation
projects) demonstrates a commitment to
meeting patients privacy, safety, and dignity
needs.6,22,24
The 2010 Guidelines for Design and
Construction of Health Care Facilities,
the American Institute of Architects
Academy of Architecture for Health, the
Facility Guidelines Institute, and the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services
all support the provision of single-patient
rooms in the construction of new U.S.
healthcare facilities (e.g., medical/surgical
wards and obstetrical units).23,24
France has implemented single-patient
rooms for hospitals built since the late
1980s. British, Dutch, and Norwegian
facilities have increasingly implemented
single-patient rooms, and The Ward of the
21st Century in Calgary, Alberta, Canada
(a research initiative in hospital design)
placed high importance on single-patient
rooms.24
14
Decentralize nurses stations as this may

minimize corridor traffic, in turn reducing
noise generation and allowing nurses to see
and hear their patients more effectively.4,22,23
Create separate, acoustically private spaces
for families of patients to gather to reduce
noise levels elsewhere in the hospital.8
Include private meeting rooms for patients,
relatives, and healthcare professionals to
provide privacy and improve communication
between these groups.6,12,25
Close off nursing and chart stations in
intensive, postoperative areas.26

Specifying Materials and Finishes
Space planning alone will not result in an adequate acoustic environment. Walls, floors, and ceilings should
also be designed to support privacy and minimize noise transmission. Materials and finishes selected for
ceilings, walls, and flooring can greatly impact the acoustic environment. Research suggests that using
noise-reducing finishes in healthcare settings positively impacts patients sleep, privacy, satisfaction, and
PCT stress.6,11 However, safety issues, namely smoke, flammability, and cleanliness standards, should also
be considered when specifying acoustical materials.15
When designing for acoustical privacy it is important to include the composite action of all adjacent building
components. The composite sound performance of walls, ceilings, doors and floors will greatly impact
the overall sound performance. The combination of individual components acoustical performance and
installation details will alter the overall performance.16,27,28 The acoustical design properties of some common
materials and finishes in healthcare environments are discussed in this section.
Ceilings
Acoustical ceiling tile (ACT) can reduce reverberation times and increase speech intelligibility, potentially
improving the psychosocial work environment for PCTs.14 Selecting the appropriate ceiling for spaces in
healthcare environments is important in creating the appropriate speech privacy level. Oftentimes, different
ceilings are needed in different areas. When selecting a ceiling, consider to what degree noises need to
be absorbed, blocked, and/or covered (i.e., masked).16 Consider the following when specifying ceilings in
healthcare environments:
When space and logistical considerations
permit, incorporate a suspended acoustical
ceiling system with sound-absorbing ceiling
tiles to promote a satisfactory acoustic
environment. When this is not possible or
feasible, consider mounting sound absorbing
panels directly onto the ceiling and upper
walls, as this may still provide significant noise
reduction.15
Be aware that non-absorbing ceilings may

allow sound to reflect from one space to
another or be transmitted through the ceiling
plenum to another space, possibly resulting in
privacy breaches.6
In spaces with noisy equipment above the
ceiling plenum or spaces with walls that do not
extend above the plenum level, specify ceiling
tiles that have a CAC of 35 or more.26
15
Ceilings (contd)
Understand the properties of specific types of ACT. The following are some of the most
common types of ACT used in healthcare environments:
Glass fiber ACT have high sound absorption qualities, often having NRC ratings
of 0.90 or higher. Covering these panels with a thin, anti-microbial film and using
a particle-free assembly can make them acceptable for clean room applications,
without sacrificing their sound absorption qualities. They do not have very high
sound isolation qualities; therefore, they are most appropriate for corridors and
open offices because the background noise will often mask the noises coming from
the ceiling plenum.13,19
Mineral fiber ACT have sound absorption properties (maximum 0.80 NRC) lower
than glass fiber ACT, but typically have a higher CAC (between 30 and 40), indicating
they greatly reduce sound transmission. Mineral fiber ACT may be appropriate for
spaces that require both sound absorption and isolation and tend to be effective at
minimizing noise from equipment in the ceiling plenum.13,19
Composite ceiling panels (a combination of a glass fiber facing and a mineral fiber
or gypsum board backing) have high sound isolation and sound absorption (i.e.,
high CAC and NRC) making them a good option for neonatal intensive care units
(NICUs).13,19
Cast mineral fiber composition enhances sound isolation and sound absorption.
16

Walls
Wall construction and surface materials are important for creating an appropriate acoustic environment.
Controlling flanking noise from negating the intended performance of any wall assembly is of key importance.
Any breaches in a partition will result in a significant drop of acoustical performance.28 Consider the following
when determining wall construction and specifying wall materials:
Wall Construction
Understand that the most effective way to
achieve wall performance is to penetrate the
ceiling membrane.29 Further improvement is
obtained when the partition is non-demising,
meaning it is continuous from floor to underside
of the next floors structural deck or concrete
slab. In cases where the wall is demising or
terminates at the ceiling plane additional
detailing may be required.27
Recognize that doors can have a tremendous
negative impact on the acoustical performance
of a wall.30 Starting with a 48 STC wall, even
with a fully sealed gasketed solid core door,
the combined STC will drop to 28. Any glazing
in the partition will have the same impact on
performance.28
Identify details that may have negative

impacts on the sound isolation performance of
a wall such as back-to-back outlet placement,
lowered wall heights, air gaps, wall openings
for services, and direct duct runs.4,16 For
example, a one square inch hole in a 60 STC
partition will drop its performance down to a
41 STC.28 This crack can easily occur at wallto-wall intersections as well as wall-toceiling
interfaces. Another important concept of
flanking: where two acoustical partitions meet,
it is important to make sure that no gypsum
panel membrane is continuous throughout the
intersection.27
Be aware that both door positioning and HVAC
duct layout can impact the privacy performance
of walls. A direct duct run through rooms can
reduce privacy and increase distractions in
healthcare settings.4
Wall Surfaces
Specify surface-mounted, one-inch thick wall
panels or other sound-absorbing wall materials
with an NRC of 0.70 or more to effectively
absorb noise from common activities in
healthcare environments, especially in large
areas where noise tends to build up.13,19,26
Cover glass- or natural- fiber wall panels with
a thin, impermeable film (e.g., taffeta vinyl,
polyvinyl fluoride) to allow for easy cleaning in
clinical areas of a hospital.13,19
Specify fabric-wrapped wall panels in nonclinical areas of a hospital where regular

cleaning is not required, as they are more
effective and less costly than panels that are
encapsulated in film.13
Install
sound-absorbing
wall
materials
perpendicular to each other to reduce flutter
echoes in spaces where they may cause
problems (e.g., conference rooms).13
17
Floors
It is possible to reduce impact noise generated by footfalls and rolling carts by specifying appropriate flooring
materials and finishes.26 Consider the following when specifying flooring in healthcare environments:
Be aware that of the most common floor
surfaces in hospitals, some (e.g., rubber)
create less impact noise than others (e.g., vinyl
composition tile installed directly on concrete
or terrazzo).13,19
Minimize the use of floor discontinuities (e.g.,
expansion breaks and transitions) to reduce
vibrations caused by rolling equipment over
them.7
Specify carpet to effectively reduce impact

noise (e.g., foot traffic, carts) in healthcare
environments. However, understand that it
typically provides an NRC of around 0.20 to
0.30 and should be considered one element of
several to provide sound absorption.19
Understand that specifying carpeting in
corridors may potentially create problems
related to efficient movement of computer carts
and cleanability. Consider placing computers
in each patient room to eliminate the need
for carts. Specify carpet tiles, so they can be
easily removed and cleaned when needed.8
Other Materials
Consider how movable furniture panels, glass
partitions, and acoustically treated curtains
can be used in open spaces to block noise. In
open-office areas, furniture panels should be
at least 60 high and have an STC of at least
24.16
Be aware that open doors significantly
negatively impact the noise isolation capability
of walls.7 Specify television headphones,
pillow speakers, and/or sound masking
devices (providing a continuous nature sound
or music) in patient rooms to address the high
noise levels created when doors are left open
or rooms are shared.13,19
18

Minimizing Mechanical and Medical Equipment Noise
Mechanical Equipment
Mechanical equipment noise enters spaces through interior partitions and the faade of the building,
through ventilation ducts, and as a result of vibration from mechanical equipment. Mitigating the impact of
each requires specific design solutions.4 To address noise issues related to mechanical systems, consult
HVAC engineers and consider the following:
Specify quieter equipment; acoustic silencers,
louvers, and barriers; and vibration isolators.
4,7,13,19
Analyze
filter
performance;
partition
construction and detailing; airflow velocities;
faade design; site planning; and potential
cross-talk issues (i.e., situations where sound
from one room may be transmitted to another
via ducts).4,13,19
Consider the noise impact of terminal boxes
and how performance is affected when sound
attenuators are used.13,19
Consider alternatives to standard duct
attenuation strategies, which are usually
prohibited in hospitals due to the potential
indoor air quality and hygiene problems they
create.4,13,19
Understand that noise from building services

can impact other sensitive spaces within the
building through windows. Consider faade
design, site planning, and acoustic control to
mitigate these impacts.4
Understand that when designing partitions that
enclose mechanical equipment it is important
to understand that the noise generated by the
equipment, in most cases, extends beyond
the sound frequencies in which STC tests are
run. This implies that designing around STC
ratings alone will not assure acoustical privacy.
Specifically, STC testing stops at 125 Hz,
whereas mechanical equipment can generate
noise down to 20 Hz.28
Insulate pneumatic tubes and ice machines to

reduce noise levels.11
Determine elevator type, location, and
surrounding structure with knowledge of their
vibration and structure-borne sound impacts
(i.e., vibration transmitted from one location to
another through the building structure).7
19
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scanners

MRI scanners are sensitive to low-frequency vibration levels (typically less than 100 Hz) that are below
those that are sensed by humans. These vibrations can reduce image quality and/or result in missed
diagnoses. However, MRI scanners themselves can produce sound pressure levels from 80 to 120 dB.4,7,31
Containing airborne and structure-borne noise created by MRI scanners and minimizing vibrations from
external sources in spaces where scanners are housed are two primary design interventions needed to
maintain a safe healthcare environment.31 Consider the following to achieve these goals:
Locate spaces sensitive to noise and vibration
away or buffered from spaces with MRI
scanners.31
Be aware that low-noise MRI scanners exist

that can reduce the need for additional vibration
controls.31
Avoid running ducts through both MRI rooms

and adjacent spaces.31
Conduct a vibration survey of the hospital site

to ensure the MRI scanners will run properly
and accurately given exterior noise and
vibration sources.31
Improve sound isolation of walls, floors,

ceilings, doors, and windows to contain noise
in rooms housing MRI scanners.31
Specify sound-absorbing finishes and materials
to minimize airborne noise in rooms housing
MRI scanners.31
[Containing airborne and structure-borne noise

created by MRI scanners and minimizing vibrations
from external sources in spaces where scanners are
housed are two primary design interventions needed
to maintain a safe healthcare environment.]31
20

Designing for Privacy and Confidentiality
Speech privacy needs should be assessed in spaces in healthcare facilities where patient information is
shared (e.g., consultation counters, pharmacies) to assure that privacy and/or confidentiality are provided
for patients, families, and PCTs.6,17 Both the background noise level and the noise reduction created by
barriers and sound-absorbing finishes need to be considered when addressing speech privacy issues in
healthcare settings.19
Although normal speech privacy (i.e., PI between 80% and 90%) is sufficient in most commercial settings,
due to HIPAA requirements, many patient areas in healthcare facilities require a confidential level of speech
privacy.16 When an absolute secure level of speech privacy is required, analysis of the way the space is
used, the level and amount of spoken communication anticipated, how the space is constructed, and the
anticipated background noise level all need to be considered.7 Adequate speech privacy can be accomplished
in open and enclosed spaces through the provision of single-occupancy patient rooms, private discussion
areas, effective space planning, appropriate partition placement, room finish specification, and sound
masking system selection.6,7 Consider the following when designing to support privacy and confidentiality
in healthcare settings:
Measuring Acoustical Privacy

Be aware that the AI, PI, Speech Transmission
Index (STI), and Speech Intelligibility Index
(SII) can all be used to quantify the privacy
levels in a space. While subjective speech
privacy testing methods such as occupant
surveys are available, results for such
measurements are influenced by the hearing
ability, attention span, and perceptions of the
listener, and therefore, tend to be less reliable
than objective measurements.4,7,16,23
Understand that HIPAA does not give specific

criteria for measuring acoustical privacy,
only that privacy of patient information is
provided.4,16 ASTM E1130 (R1997 & R2006)
and other standards include quantitative
methods and procedures for measuring both
normal and confidential speech privacy, as
well as equipment and design interventions
for monitoring and mitigating speech privacy
conditions. These standards should be
consulted to meet HIPAA privacy criteria.7,17,23
Speech Intelligibility
def. [A measure indicating to what extent
speech is understood in a given environment.]
21
Sound Masking Systems

Research has indicated sound-masking systems have been an effective intervention for promoting speech
privacy in office settings. However, research has yet to indicate they are entirely appropriate for healthcare
environments, as they may impact speech intelligibility, which is a crucial aspect of communication between
PCTs and patients and among PCTs. Therefore, the following recommendations should be carefully
considered with full knowledge of their impact on communication and the ability to hear and respond to
other important stimuli (e.g., alarms) in healthcare environments.6
Recognize that the development of quieter
HVAC systems (e.g., variable air volume,
underfloor air delivery systems) make them
less effective at masking confidential or private
conversations; therefore, in many cases, sound
masking systems are necessary.16
Consider using sound-making systems to
minimize patient distractions and improve
speech privacy. Sound masking incorporates
ambient background noise into a space to
make speech unintelligible after a certain, userdefined distance (e.g., five to seven feet; the
typical distance from a customer to a pharmacy
consultation area). For sound masking to be
effective in creating speech privacy, it needs
to create a sound level louder than that of the
unwanted speech information. However, such
systems should not exceed 48 dB(A).7,16,17
Avoid using music to provide sound masking,

as the sound varies in frequency and loudness
and therefore is not guaranteed to provide
complete speech privacy at all times.16
Specify sound-masking systems in patient
rooms to reduce the impact of interruptions
from equipment alarms and signals. Avoid
using such systems in corridors or over nursing
stations as they may interfere with patient
monitoring.8
Specify
ceiling-housed,
sound-masking
systems in open areas (e.g., waiting rooms)
that cover the speech frequency range at the
lowest volume, as architectural elements that
typically block sound (e.g., walls) are minimal
in these spaces.16,19
[Adequate speech privacy can be accomplished in open and enclosed spaces

through the provision of single-occupancy patient rooms, private discussion areas,
effective space planning, appropriate partition placement, room finish specification,
and sound masking system selection.]6,7
22
Enclosed Spaces
Many enclosed spaces in healthcare settings have PIs that are lower than what is needed for confidential
speech privacy, and oftentimes, they are not designed with consideration for the raised voice levels
sometimes used with elderly patients.16 Consider the following to assure adequate privacy levels are
reached in these areas:
Maintain a composite STC and A-weighted

background noise level of at least 75 dB(A) in
enclosed spaces where confidential speech
privacy is required.7
Stagger patient room doors along the corridor

and/or place the bathroom between the head of
the bed and the corridor to reduce the amount
of noise that transfers between rooms.
Where possible, acoustically separate patient

rooms from one another and acoustically
separate patient rooms from corridors using
sealed doors. Be aware that glass doors
or vision panels may provide the desired
acoustical privacy and sound isolation, while
still allowing for visual access.8,13,19,26,32
Understand that according to the Facility

Guidelines Institutes Guidelines for Design and
Construction of Healthcare Facilities (2010) the
recommended performance for partitions that
separate patient rooms (with doors closed) is
45 STC. If a higher level of privacy is needed
in the rooms, a 50 STC is recommended. The
Guidelines can also be consulted for sound
isolation recommendations for adjacencies
between exam rooms, consultation rooms,
bathrooms, treatment rooms, and NICUs.7,23
Specify floor-to-slab fixed walls with a
minimum STC rating of 40 in enclosed rooms
where speech privacy is required but flexibility
and adaptability are not. In situations where
flexibility, adaptability, and speech privacy are
all required, specify fixed stud or relocatable
walls with a minimum STC rating of 40. Specify
walls in combination with a ceiling with a CAC
rating of 35 or higher and door and glazing
components that are pre-engineered for STC
performance.16
23
Open Spaces
Open spaces can pose significant challenges for creating an acoustically private environment, as they
often lack partitions that can be used to block or absorb noise. Consider the following to address these
challenges:
Maintain a composite STC and A-weighted
background noise level of at least 75 dB(A) in
open plan spaces where confidential speech
privacy is required.7
Consider including acoustically-private rooms
where private or confidential conversations
can occur in open-plan spaces.6,7,16
To achieve appropriate levels of speech

privacy in open spaces, specify an acoustical
ceiling with an AC of 180 or higher and an NRC
of 0.80 or higher.16 Understand that ceiling
panels with higher NRC and CAC values are
manufactured in many styles and colors that
meet both budget and design requirements.17
[Consider including acoustically-private rooms where private or confidential

conversations can occur in open-plan spaces] 6,7,16
24

Integrating Hospital Technology
Patient safety and comfort and PCT comfort and productivity should be considered in the provision of
electro-acoustic systems, which can impact the acoustic environment of healthcare facilities.7 Technology
can impact the way the acoustical environment affects the safety and comfort of patients, families, and
PCTs in many ways. Consider the following when integrating technology into healthcare environments:
Paging
Alarms
To reduce overhead paging, first identify the

individuals and departments that are paged
most often and then create alternative ways for
them to communicate.33 Consider the following
as alternatives to overhead paging systems:
Reduced noise or noiseless paging
systems, or a nurse call and patient
telemetry system;11,13,19
Wireless communication devices (e.g.,
hands-free two-way technology, IP
phones, communication badges, vibrating
beepers); 7,8,33
Wireless asset tracking technologies (e.g.,
RFID and infrared) to track staff, patient,
and equipment location;7 and
Beeper systems to notify a patients family
and/or significant other of patient health
status changes or updates.33
Assess alarm levels, and if possible reduce

their volume to increase patient comfort. Be
aware that alarms are often unnecessarily left
at their factory-set level.7,34
Specify alarms with variable volumes, with
loudness indicating the urgency of the
problem.13,19
Place alarms in remote locations at nurse
stations.19
Due to the use of a personal communication

system as an alternative to an overhead
paging system at Johns Hopkins Hospital,
noise levels were reduced. However, sound
quality was negatively impacted due to the use
of small speakers.5
25
ACOUSTIC REQUIREMENTS FOR

SPECIALIZED ENVIRONMENTS
Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs)
Acoustics in NICUs should support speech intelligibility, normal or relaxed vocal effort, and speech privacy.
Physiological stability, peaceful sleep, and minimal acoustic distractions and interruptions for infants and
adults should also be fostered by the acoustic environment.7 Consider the following to design a supportive
acoustic environment in these settings:
Provide single-occupancy infant rooms in
NICUs to help increase parental privacy and
visits, increase PCT satisfaction, and reduce
PCT stress.35
Minimize noise levels near infants and ensure
that equipment alarms, phones, sinks, and
other noise sources are placed away from the
infants head.33
Consider ways that space planning can be
used to move noise from activities away from
the primary infant care area to a more central,
common area (e.g., prescribe and check-in
drugs in a clean utility room).7,34
Locate equipment that makes loud, continuous
noise away from the infants when possible.
If equipment is required in an infants room,
consider specifying vibration isolation pads or
putting equipment in a glass enclosure.7,36
Specify water supply units and faucets in infant
areas that produce minimal noise and that are
capable of producing instant warm water to
minimize the amount of time water is flowing.7
26
Utilize specialized wall, floor, and ceiling

assemblies to meet speech privacy needs
between undesirable adjacencies in NICUs
(e.g., break room sharing a wall with infant or
adult sleep room).7
Specify carefully-designed acoustical ceilings
in NICUs, considering both the NRC and CAC,
as they provide the largest area for incorporating
sound-absorbing surfaces. Provide ceilings
that have an NRC of 0.95 for at least 80% of
the surface area or an average NRC of 0.85
for the whole ceiling, and a minimum ceiling
CAC of at least 29. For partitions that do not
continue above the finished ceiling, a CAC
greater than 29 may be required.7
To mitigate the adverse effects of building
equipment noise in the NICU, design
mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems
to meet the noise requirements for the NICU
and if possible locate mechanical systems at
a distance from the NICU. This may include
specifying HVAC systems with quiet airhandling units and fans, isolating the vibration
caused by certain types of equipment,
limiting air velocities in ducts, and specifying
appropriate air inlet and outlet devices among
other considerations.36

Emergency Departments (EDs)
EDs in hospitals are often very noisy due to many patients, doctors, nurses, and medical equipment regularly
moving through the space. In a study by Orellana, Busch-Vichniac, and West in 2007, SPLs in Johns
Hopkins Hospital were 5 to 10 dB(A) higher in EDs than the in-patient units in the hospital. High noise levels
can create problems in EDs, potentially negatively affecting care quality when patients have immediate
and sometimes critical needs that need to be met. SPLs in EDs may not be loud enough to cause hearing
damage to occupants; however, there is concern that they may prompt occupants to raise their voices
to speak to each other, which may be hazardous to patient safety, patient privacy, and contribute to PCT
fatigue.37
EDs are also highly susceptible to privacy breaches resulting from the many patients and staff present,
severity of patient conditions, multiple conservations taking place that include private patient information,
and frequent use of multi-occupancy patient rooms with only curtains separating beds.11 In a study examining
patient privacy and confidentiality in EDs, patients in walled rooms were less likely to experience privacy
breaches than patients in curtained rooms. Patients were also more comfortable discussing their medical
history and being examined in walled rooms than in curtained rooms.38 Consider the following to create a
quieter acoustic environment in EDs:
Specify highly-absorptive ceiling materials
in open patient treatment areas (e.g., EDs,
recovery rooms).26
Consider providing walled rooms instead of

curtained rooms for ED patients to support
patient comfort and avoid privacy breaches.38
[Sound pressure levels may prompt occupants to raise their

voices to speak to each other, which may be hazardous to
patient safety, patient privacy, and contribute to PCT fatigue.]37
27
MEETING THE STANDARDS
Several healthcare design guidelines released in recent years have emphasized the importance of acoustics
in the design of healthcare environments. Healthcare environments should be designed to meet published
standards. Among these are the Sound and Vibration Design Guidelines for Hospital and Healthcare
Settings, HIPAA, 2010 FGI/ASHE Guidelines for Design and Construction for Health Care Facilities, and
the Green Guide for Health Care. Additionally, LEED for Healthcare is currently in draft form. Although
selected acoustic considerations in existing standards have been referenced in this paper, original standards
should be accessed for further information and acoustic design strategies.
Sound and Vibration Design Guidelines for

Hospital and Healthcare Settings
The Sound and Vibration Design Guidelines for Hospital and Healthcare Settings are intended to guide
the provision of satisfactory acoustics and privacy in all types of healthcare settings (new and renovated),
including, but not limited to, large general hospitals, specialized care facilities, and ambulatory care facilities.
These guidelines were developed with the intention of being a comprehensive and practical document that
is based on both technical standards and professional best practices in acoustics. They provide minimum
standards that are achievable using currently available methods and products, based on relevant evidencebased and/or clinical research. These guidelines serve as the reference standard for the acoustics section
of the 2010 FGI/ASHE Guidelines for Design and Construction for Health Care Facilities; the Green Guide
for Health Care v2.2; and LEED for Healthcare, which is currently under development.7
2010 FGI/ASHE Guidelines for Design and

Construction for Health Care Facilities
The 2010 FGI/ASHE Guidelines for Design and Construction for Health Care Facilities addresses design
considerations for healthcare settings and were developed through a consensus process. They serve as
a guide for regulatory codes and laws, but also as a guide of best practices for designers, healthcare
administrators, and others involved in the design of healthcare facilities. These guidelines address design
and construction considerations for a wide range of healthcare facilities including general hospitals, primary
care hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, outpatient care facilities, and residential
healthcare facilities, among others. The 2010 edition updates a previous edition and includes a new section
that directly addresses acoustics in healthcare environments.23
28

Green Guide for Health Care v2.2.
The Green Guide for Health Care v2.2 includes a two-point credit for improving the acoustic environment
in healthcare settings. At a minimum, this guide and others recommend that acoustical issues related
to exterior noise, acoustical finishes, room noise levels, sound isolation, paging systems, and building
vibration be addressed in healthcare facilities.19 Acoustic design strategies and test and measurement data
should be documented to provide evidence of adherence to Green Guide for Health Care criteria.26
LEED for Healthcare

The new LEED for Healthcare rating system responds to design issues that are under unique conditions in
the healthcare industry. The five main areas of the traditional LEED rating systems (sustainable sites; water
efficiency; energy and atmosphere; materials and resources; and indoor environmental quality) include new
considerations especially for healthcare. A credit is included for acoustic environment improvement.39
[The Green Guide for Health Care and other standards and guidelines
recommend that acoustical issues related to exterior noise, acoustical
finishes, room noise levels, sound isolation, paging systems, and building
vibration be addressed in healthcare facilities.]19
29
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
This Glossary of Terms offers basic definitions for terms that can be found in this document.
A-Weighting (dB(A)): A measure of sound pressure level designed to reflect the response of
the human ear, which is less sensitive to low and high frequencies.
Acuity: The degree to which patients conditions require direct nursing care. The
highest acuity patients (e.g., intensive care) usually require a 1:1 or 1:2
nurse-to-patient ratio.
Articulation Class (AC): A measure used to rate the speech privacy performance of acoustical
ceilings or acoustical screens in open-plan environments. Privacy
increases as the AC value increases, generally ranging between 100
and 250.
Articulation Index: A measure of speech intelligibility ranging from 0 (renders speech
unintelligible) to 1.00 (no interference with speech clarity), influenced
by the way the elements and properties of a space affect the ability to
understand speech.
Background Noise: All direct and indirect sound that is audible to the human ear that has the
potential to interfere with wanted (e.g., medical equipment warnings) or
unwanted (e.g., private conversations) sound signals.
Ceiling Attenuation A rating of a ceiling panels ability to reduce sound transmission. It
Class (CAC): represents, in decibels (dB), how much sound will be kept from transmitting
between rooms sharing a ceiling plenum.
Decibel (dB): A unit measurement of the loudness of a sound. Louder sounds have
larger decibel values.
Diffusion: The scattering of sound in all directions caused by sound striking a
surface.
Flutter Echo: A ringing echo created when two parallel hard surfaces rapidly reflect
sound back and forth across a room.
30

Frequency: The number of sound waves created in a given amount of time, indicating
the pitch of the sound, expressed as Hertz (Hz).
Noise Reduction A measure of the average sound absorption of a surface used to compare
Coefficient (NRC): the sound-absorbing characteristics of building materials.
Privacy Index (PI): A measure used to rate the speech privacy in a given space that is
calculated based on the Articulation Index.
Reverberation Time The time it takes for sound to decay by 60 dB once the source of sound
(RT): has stopped.
Sound Absorption: Sound deadened upon striking a surface.
Sound Pressure Level The physical loudness of a sound on a decibel scale determined by the air
(SPL): pressure change caused by a sound wave.
Sound Reflection: The change of direction caused after sound waves strike a surface.
Sound Transmission: Sound which passes through a surface to the space beyond it.
Sound Transmission A numerical rating of the sound control performance of a wall or ceiling; the
Class (STC): higher the number, the better the sound control.
Speech Intelligibility: The extent to which speech is understood in a given environment.
Speech Transmission An index measuring the speech intelligibility in a given area ranging from 0
Index (STI): (no intelligibility) to 1 (perfect intelligibility).
Transmission Loss (TL): The reduction in sound power caused by placing a wall or barrier between
the sound source and receiver.
Universal Room: A hospital patient room that can be adapted to treat different medical
conditions and acuity levels, as they vary between patients and over
time.
31
ENDNOTES
These references form the basis of this white papers content and can be consulted for further
information.
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2.) Ryherd, E. E., Waye, K. P., & Ljungkvist, L. (2008). Characterizing noise and perceived work environment
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March 3, 2010, from http://www.rwdi.com/cms/publications/51/t32.pdf
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Johns Hopkins Hospital. Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 118(6), 36293645.
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January). Sound and vibration design guidelines for health care facilities. Public draft 2.0. Available
from: http://www.speechprivacy.org
8.) Montague, K. N., Blietz, C. M., & Kachur, M. (2009). Ensuring quieter hospital environments: Nurses
provide valuable input during a unit redesign at one hospital. The American Journal of Nursing, 109(9),
65-67.
9.) Hagerman, I., Rasmanis, G., Blomkvist, V., Ulrich, R., Eriksen, C. A., & Theorell, T. (2005). Influence of
intensive coronary care acoustics on the quality of care and physiological state of patients. International
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32

11.) Ulrich, R. S., Zimring, C., Zhu, X., DuBose, J., Seo, H., Choi, Y., Quan, X., & Joseph, A. (2008). A
review of the research literature on evidence-based healthcare design. Georgia Institute of Technology.
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Facilities Management, 16-19.
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environment in intensive coronary care. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 62(3), Article 1e.
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15.) MacLeod, M., Dunn, J., Busch-Vishniac, J., & West, J. E. (2007). Quieting Weinberg 5C: A case study
in hospital noise control. Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 121(6), 3501-3508.
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Acoustics helping you meet healthcare privacy requirements. Chicago: USG Interiors, Inc. Retrieved
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development of the hospital of the future. Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois: Author.
33
23.) The Facility Guidelines Institute (FGI). (2010). Guidelines for the design and construction of health care
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25.) Leventhal Stern, A., MacRae, S., Gerteis, M., Harrison, R., Fowler, E., Edgman-Levitan, S., Walker,
J., & Ruga, W. (2003). Understanding the consumer perspective to improve design quality. Journal of
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S38-S48.
34

36.) Siebein, G. W., & Skelton, R. (2009, August). Soundscape analysis of a neonatal intensive care unit.
Paper presented at the meeting of Inter-Noise 2009: Innovations in Practical Noise Control, Ottawa,
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Intensive%20Care%20Unit.pdf
37.) Orellana, D., Busch-Vichniac, I. J., & West, J. E. (2007). Noise in the adult emergency department of
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38.) Olsen, J. C., & Sabin, B. R. (2003). Emergency department patient perceptions of privacy and
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to_get_ne.html
35
CISCA is the only trade

association dedicated
to serving the specialty
ceilings and interior
systems industry.
CORE PURPOSE
CISCA exists to provide a network
of opportunities with all industry
leaders through education and
a forum to allow the interior
construction industry to interact,
evolve and prosper.
VISION
CISCA is to be the recognized
authority and resource for the
acoustical ceiling and wall systems
industry.
MISSION
Over the next three years,
CISCA will:
Recruit and retain select
prominent and emerging leaders
Provide relevant, effective
education
Develop and promote technical
and installation guidelines
Promote the acoustical ceilings
and wall systems industry
Provide dynamic and accessible
forums to advance relationships
within the industry
CEILINGS & INTERIOR SYSTEMS CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION

CISCA
405 Illinois Avenue, Unit 2B, St. Charles, IL
60174
630-584-1919 phone
866-560-8537 fax
www.cisca.org
We are specialty
contractors, distributors,
manufacturers and
independent
manufacturer
representatives.
CISCA promotes and
supports the industry
by providing a forum
for members to
network, by publishing
internationally-specified
construction guidelines,
and by providing
industry information to
members.
This white paper, Acoustics in Healthcare

Environments, was produced by the
InformeDesign Research Desk (www.
informedesign.org) under contract to CISCA.
The content was derived from literature
provided by both CISCA and InformeDesign.
All efforts have been made to identify the
original sources and to maintain accuracy
of content. Please contact CISCA with any
questions regarding sources. For information
about the Research Desk contact:
director.informedesign@umn.edu.
Published: October 2010.

Acoustics in Healthcare Environments

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Acoustics in Healthcare Environments

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ACOUSTICS

THE CURRENT STATE OF ACOUSTICS IN HEALTHCARE ENVIRONMENTS

ACOUSTIC REQUIREMENTS FOR SPECIALIZED ENVIRONMENTS

MEETING THE STANDARDS

Considerations when applying this research: